I've been officiating weddings for a while now and one of the things I've learned along the way is that there is nothing like a wedding officiant photobombing a first kiss. When I meet with couples, I tell them that if there is room, I like to step to the side during their first kiss.

This is what everyone sees during the ceremony. Photo credit: photographsbystephanie.com

Your first kiss is a special, single moment in time. Photo credit: photographsbystephanie.com

While it isn't always possible for your me to step aside during the first kiss, it is my preference and we can create space and practice for this during the rehearsal. It's not the end of the world if I'm in the picture, I just know that it's a moment that most couples would like to capture without me in the background.

This is one of those photos that your photographer can help you recreate if you like. I also tell couples that when it does come to their first kiss - to take your time! Kiss a few times. This is your moment, take it in; also, your photographer will thank you for the extra three seconds she has to get the perfect shot.

Photo credit: photographsbystephanie.com

Photo credit: photographsbystephanie.com

Valerie and Keith married in the very cool Downtown Raleigh restaurant, Cafe Luna. They held their wedding ceremony in the first dining space and then all of their guests enjoyed the reception in the second dining space. I think they were very smart to have their ceremony and reception in one place - it meant no traveling for their guests and they were able to relax and not worry about arriving to their reception late.

I was extremely happy to help Colleen and Kirstin marry each other on the rooftop of the Durham Hotel this week. They had a wonderful gathering of family and celebrated their 8 year

relationship and new baby on the way with their wedding ceremony. The weather was gorgeous and they couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to say 'I do'.

Having a chance to see Durham from that rooftop was an exhilarating experience. Durham is a very cool town that has been creating itself over and over and there's so many new building projects going on. From the rooftop it was easy to see the beauty of the city and see it all coming together.

Kirstin and Colleen's brother and his partner made their flower bouquets and brought champaigh, giant peanutbutter cups, and yogurt covered pretzels from Parker and Otis bakery. It was a fantastic wedding and I am honored to be part of their love story.

I was pleasantly surprised this evening when I received a thank you and a link to The Budget Savvy Bride. One of the coolest couples I married this summer shared their story with this publication and here it is. ​I do offer a very competitive price for officiating weddings and it's really cool to be part of this couple's love story. It's always exciting and a little weird seeing me do the work that I love. Thank you for letting me share it with you.